The nomination committee for Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris (i.e. Baltic Sea Prize) plays an important role in selecting the prize winner of SEK 3 million. One of the nomination committee members is Professor Anna-Stiina Heiskanen from the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). The nomination period for 2023 is open for nominations until May 15.
Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris is awarded to a researcher or other who has made valuable contributions to a healthier Baltic Sea. The prize was awarded for the first time in 2022 by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria to Professor Maren Voss at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research. This year’s nomination period is open until May 15, and thereafter it is the nomination committee that will select the finalists to present to the board. One of the five esteemed committee members is Professor Anna-Stiina Heiskanen, Director of the Marine and Freshwater Solutions Unit at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE).
– I am honored to be in the nomination committee and it is a privilege to have an opportunity to highlight some of the most remarkable achievements of the scientists that have enabled deeper understanding of the human impacts and how those have comprehensively changed the ecosystem functioning. And further, what kind of solutions have been proposed to accelerate the healing of the marine ecosystem, says Anna-Stiina Heiskanen.
Heiskanen has scientific expertise on marine ecosystems functioning, ecological state, biodiversity, and ecosystem services assessments. Currently she is coordinating large interdisciplinary research projects for exploring the pathways towards transformative change and sustainable management of freshwater and marine systems and biodiversity in the face of climate and global change.
– The Baltic Sea environment has gone through a number of phases from clear water, diverse and healthy ecosystems to declined transparency, massive algal blooms, and unhealthy wildlife and fish, impacted by nutrient loading and pollution. There have been remarkable success stories of nature conservation, like recovery of the white-tailed eagle and seal populations. However, the measures have not yet been sufficient and large parts of the marine areas are still far from good environmental status. I hope and believe that the Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris can help contribute to a healthier Baltic Sea, says Heiskanen.
This is the nomination committee of the Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris:
Professor Christina Rudén (Chairman), Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Sweden
Professor Anna-Stiina Heiskanen, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Director of the Marine and Freshwater Solutions Unit, Finland
Professor Inna Sokolova, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Germany
Professor Jan Marcin Węsławski, Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Marie Berglund, member the Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse (BalticSea2020), Sweden[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
